How Does Fire Damage Affect Electronic Devices?

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

From an electrical fire to unattended food on the stove, there are many ways a commercial or residential building can catch fire. Once the fire is put out, you should immediately turn your thoughts to how you are going to clean and restore. You likely have valuable computers, appliances and other electronics around your business or home, and you want to make an attempt to salvage anything.

Structural Damage

Personal electronics can be significantly damaged following a fire. Some common examples of these include:

• Cell phones
• Tablets
• Laptops/ Desktops 
• Televisions 

One sign of damage you will instantly notice is if there is any deterioration to the overall structure. High temperatures create stress the metal components, causing them to warp and melt. In addition to fixing the structure, you need to make sure the item still performs its desired function.

Water Damage

Another part of computer cleanup after a fire is seeing if anything sustained water damage. Firefighters will use water to put out an out-of-control flame, but this water can damage certain items. You want to avoid turning on the item before having someone look at it. If you turn it on while water is still in the system, then it could short circuit.

Chemical Residue Damage

Soot is a highly hazardous product. It contains various acids that can wear away metals. You also need to pursue remediation so that your workers can stay safe from these potentially dangerous materials. Touching an acid-soaked item could result in complications. 

The best thing to do is to not utilize electronics until professionals have a chance to look at them. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to salvage many electronic items following an electrical fire. You just need to be patient and have the right professionals to guide you such as the team at SERVPRO of Edmonds.

Visit us for more on fire at http://www.SERVPROedmonds.com.

The Aftermath of A Fire In Your Home

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

1. Ask whether it is safe to enter the home. Do not enter if the authorities deem it unsafe. They may establish a safety zone, but never assume a room is safe until it has been cleared to enter. Respect yellow tape and wear a dust mask to prevent inhalation of particulates in the air.
2. Call and Inform Appropriate Contacts.
   1. Contact family members and let them know you are safe, and unharmed.
   2. Contact your insurance agent. They will be able to talk you through the necessary steps, including proper documentation and emergency lodging expenses (keep all of your receipts!) At this point the insurance company may assist in securing a company to help with clean up options.
   3. You may request SERVPRO at this time for restoration services.
   4. Another call may be to your landlord or property manager if applicable, and to your local American Red Cross who may provide additional resources.
3. Secure the property to prevent possible looting. SERVPRO is available to assist with securing property/ Board Ups.
4. If water hoses were used to exterminate the fire, drying your home is critical. It is best to call the professionals at SERVPRO to assist with professional water and fire cleaning. Water can lead to mold damage if not dried properly. Our team is an approved restoration contractor for many major insurance carriers and adheres to the highest standards in the restoration industry.
5. Seek counseling if needed. Children and adults can feel a traumatic sense of loss, and sometimes need help to avoid a lasting sense of sadness and disorientation after a house fire. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. A house fire is a traumatic event and individuals need to be treated with respect and compassion by those close to the process.
6. For more information on contents and structural drying, smoke and soot removal call SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723.

Household Inventory Lists for Insurance Purposes

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire in your home these items of high monetary value are among the most difficult to replace if stolen or destroyed. Be sure to save receipts and/or take detailed pictures for these high-ticket items. Include them in your home inventory for insurance purposes.   

1. Electronics & Appliances: Electronics and appliances are among the most sensitive and easily damaged items in your home in the event of mishap. They are also among the most sought-after by thieves.
   • Televisions
   • Stereo equipment
   • Game systems
   • Streaming devices
   • Cameras
   • Computers, tablets & laptops
   • Home office equipment (printers/scanner/fax)
   • HVAC equipment
   • Refrigerator
   • Freezer
   • Stove/oven/range
   • Microwave
   • Toaster/Toaster oven
   • Dishwasher
   • Washer/dryer
   • Water heater
   • Power tools
   • Lawn equipment
2. Furniture: People rely on your furniture daily, yet few give consideration to the astronomical cost of replacing an entire household worth of furniture until it’s gone. Be certain to include in your home inventory checklist the following high-value furniture items:
   • Couch/loveseat
   • Cabinets & contents
   • Furniture & storage
   • Shelving
   • Bookcases
   • Tables
   • Desks
   • Rugs
   • Tables & chairs
   • Buffet
   • Hutch
   • Beds
   • Dressers, armoires
   • Desk
3. Jewelry & Costly Clothing: Not all policies cover high-dollar jewelry. Check your coverage limit carefully for terms. And be sure to have jewelry items appraised regularly, preferably annually, to ensure an accurate representation of their current price.
   • Wedding rings
   • Watches
   • Necklaces & bracelets
   • Broaches & pendants
   • Furs
4. Collectables: These items should also be appraised regularly at a reputable establishment to ensure an accurate representation of their current price and the need for additional insurance coverage as they go up in value.  
   • Antiques
   • Instruments
   • Artwork
   • Coins
   • Stamps
   • Crystal
5. Firearms: Homeowners and renters insurance also typically includes coverage for guns, from standard hunting rifles to collectables and antiques.

How Will Your Items Be Valued?

Items on your home inventory checklist will be valued in one of three ways depending on your coverage rules, so be sure to read over your policy carefully.

• Cash value: Replacement cost minus depreciation (think: garage sale prices).
• Replacement value: The amount you’d pay to replace your belongings at the time of loss (today’s retail prices).
• Appraised value: Typically used for one-of-a-kind antiques and valuables, which have been appraised and documented via your home inventory template.

Residential Fire Damage Restoration Tips

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

In the unfortunate event that a fire should impact your home it's quite likely that you will feel panic and uncertainty. This immediate reaction makes sense as fires can be destructive and bring out an array of emotions. Knowing which steps to take in the face of a residential fire can help you recover quickly and avoid some of the major stressors. SERVPRO of Edmonds has many years of experience in fire damage restoration and is always here to help. To handle a residential fire successfully and speedily, implement the following tips:

1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert such as SERVPRO.
   Once the fire department has completed their work, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own as this is unsafe and could put you in danger.
2. Locate your documents
   In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your insurance information and a report from the fire inspector. You'll want to have this information on hand, its oftentimes smart to have a copy of your insurance documents at a separate location, or electronically.
3. Call the Insurance Company Immediately.
   Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the damages. Know who your insurance representative is and utilize them as a resource.
4. Gain Permission to Reenter the Building.
   Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can reenter your home. Officials will clear the scene and give you approval one way or the other. In some cases, structural integrity can be compromised, and you should not re-enter until the site has been evaluated by a professional.

Tobacco and Cigarette Smoke Odor Cleaning

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Cigarette smoke residue is a yellowish-brown, gluey substance that sticks to all surfaces, making it difficult and time-consuming to remove.

The substance bonds to walls, furniture, and plastics and can permanently alter their appearance. Cigarette smoke also penetrates more odor-absorbing objects also known as soft contents, such as carpets, upholstery, bedding, clothes, and many more. Tobacco smoke chemicals are much more challenging to eliminate than those of an actual fire.

To eliminate cigarette smoke odor, you must thoroughly clean the tobacco smoke residue from every surface and corner in the home, this can be highly difficult without a professional. Some helpful DIY tips include;

• First, open all windows and doors to let as much fresh air in as possible.
• Clean or replace the air filters, furnace filters, and AC filters.
• Clean walls and ceilings using products with ammonia and glycol — two ingredients that neutralize odors.
• Repaint walls and ceilings with latex paint. Use a sealant designed to lock in odors before painting.
• Wipe down all surfaces in the home: floors, windows, carpets, furniture, upholstery, draperies, blinds, and other household surfaces, fixtures, and items. 

If you need a professional SERVPRO specialists start tobacco smoke removal by cleaning all surfaces. This includes deodorizing agents to help eliminate the very tiny particles of tobacco smoke. Specialized equipment is often necessary to remove the very last of the odors that are not accessible (such as inside walls or joints). This will usually involve hydroxyl or ozone generators — professional equipment that destroys particles that penetrated the hard-to-reach areas.

It is often recommended that soft textiles like drapes, carpeting, bedding, etc. be replaced as these are very difficult to restore fully. If you would like an estimate for cigarette smoke cleaning call SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723.

Training Employees on Utilizing Portable Fire Extinguishers

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have a portable fire extinguisher in your workplace? Let’s hope so! Do you know how to use your fire extinguisher properly? If not, what good is having a fire extinguisher if you don’t know how to use it?

OSHA requires employers who provide fire extinguishers in the workplace that are available for employee use to also provide an "educational program" for affected workers that covers the principles of fire extinguisher use as well as the hazards of incipient-stage (early stage) fire-fighting. This educational program must be provided as part of new employee orientations, and the employer must also provide an annual refresher training on this topic. In addition, the employer must provide all fire brigade members, as well as fire watches and any other worker who has been assigned any job that requires the use of a portable fire extinguisher, with hands-on training on the equipment they will be required to use. 

The most important thing to consider when designing your fire extinguisher training program is your workplace. Focus your training on the type of emergencies employees really may face. For example, an office complex, manufacturing facility, hospital facility, and university dorm should all have markedly different programs. Furthermore, employees with different roles should be trained based on the threats they face and the emergency response protocols that are established. Every successful program should combine classroom and hands-on instructional elements. Many of the basics can and should be covered before allowing trainees to exercise hands-on application.

Trainees should leave the program with knowledge of the sources of fire, classes of fire and their corresponding fire extinguishers, how to identify an extinguisher, how to assess a fire situation, and fire emergency protocols. Here at SERVPRO of Edmonds we practice proper Fire Extinguisher training and we encourage all businesses to do the same. If you are curious about preparing your business for unexpected risks contact SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723 and inquire about our Free Emergency Ready Profile assessment.

Residential Cleaning of Smoke and Soot Damage

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

House fires can be devastating for any number of reasons. Even fires that were put out before they could cause extensive damage or harm can unfortunately result in several problems, including damage from smoke. Smoke can harm many different items in the house and typically leaves a strong, sour smell behind even long after the fire has gone out. Cleaning up the soot and smoke damage can be time consuming and requires special protocols. You can start with these steps:

1. Assess degree of smoke and soot damage to home.
2. Contact professional cleaning services.
3. Continue with home recovery efforts.

Getting the Right Help

Because smoke is such a powerful smell, professional service providers are often required to thoroughly remove it. Professional cleaning firms such as SERVPRO of Edmonds offer special smoke cleaning services. Contact our team and ask about smoke damage cleaning rates. You may find it helpful to have one of our project managers facilitate an in-person visit and estimate for you.

A provider will visit your home and may begin by cleaning soft surfaces to remove the heavy, smoke smell. Curtains, bedding, furniture, carpet, and upholstery can all trap and hold smoke smells; often this cannot be removed by a simple DIY scrubbing.

Cleaning your home’s structure can also be a challenge to complete on your own. Professional home cleaners as well as service providers specializing in fire restoration may be able to help you restore the structure of your home by removing soot damage from various surfaces. The composition of soot depends on what was burning and for how long; some surfaces can be easily wiped clean while others could require deeper cleaning with special products in order to be fully restored.

Recovering From a Fire

Cleaning is typically an important part of recovering from a house fire. Removing smoke damage and soot can be accomplished with the help of experienced professional restoration firms operating in your area.

For more on cleaning soot and smoke damage visit us at http://www.SERVPROedmonds.com.

How To Operate A Fire Extinguisher Correctly

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Choose the Fire Extinguisher That Is Right For You!

It is important that all adults know how to operate a fire extinguisher. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) believes that children should not be trained how to operate portable fire extinguishers as they may not have the maturity or physical ability. Make sure you have extinguishers inspected annually to ensure they are working properly. Only use a portable extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area. Utilize the widely known PASS method:

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

For a residential home select a multi-purpose extinguisher which can be used on all types of home fires. It should be large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.

Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings; check out what is available in your community.

Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately to prevent smoke inhalation.

Fire extinguishers are just one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms. If you experience a fire in your home or business call the professionals at SERVPRO of Edmonds to assist with clean-up and restoration. We are available 24/7 for any emergency!

Safe Barbecuing Tips from SERVPRO of Edmonds

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

As the weather is heating up in Edmonds, WA more people are firing up their barbecues to cook dinner and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Keep in mind there are several safety precautions that should be taken to ensure your barbecue is working properly and safely. Barbequing can also become very dangerous if you are careless and leave your barbeque unattended. Always practice fire safety!

1. Check for gas leaks. To check rub water and soap along the connections and hoses, turn on the gas and look for bubbles.  If you see bubbles start to appear then you have found a gas leak and you must repair it before doing any barbequing.
2. Keep a spray bottle or extinguisher near the grill. If you start to see flames get out of control give it a spray to instantly calm down the flames before it gets out of hand.
3. Keep items like decorations and foliage away from the grill. Decorations are mostly made of artificial fibers that catch fire very easily.
4. Never turn on the gas while the barbecue lid is closed. This will cause gas to buildup and could cause someone serious injury when it comes into contact with a spark.
5. Never overload your grill with fatty meats. This could cause too much fat to drip down and cause the flames to become out of control. You do not want the grill to catch fire.
6. Never leave a grill unattended. Fires double in size every minute and it could be too late if you don’t notice a fire in time.
7. Make sure your grill is 10 feet away from your home. This distance includes porches and garages as well.

We hope these tips help you prepare for many days of sunny summer grilling ahead. Remember, if you experience any issues related to a grill fire call the experts at SERVPRO of Edmonds, 425-775-5723.

Safe Campfire Practices to Prevent Fires

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Edmonds we hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer full of traditional outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A campfire can be one of the most memorable parts of camping, and also provides necessary warmth to hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts in the cold. Don’t forget your responsibility to maintain and extinguish flames fully in order to prevent wildfires. Unfortunately Washington State has been the victim of many forest fires and we must do the best we can to preserve our land, homes and businesses.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to maintaining your campfire;

Never cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live materials won’t burn and dead standing trees — called “snags” — are often homes for birds and other wildlife.

Once you have a strong fire going, add larger pieces of dry wood to keep it burning steadily and at a manageable size.

Don’t burn dangerous things like aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass or aluminum cans. They could explode, shatter or create harmful fumes .

Never leave your campfire unattended and always supervise children and pets.

To extinguish your campfire allow the wood to burn completely to ash if possible.

Pour lots of water on the fire to drown all visible embers.

If you do not have water, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire.

With your shovel, scrape any remaining sticks and logs to remove any embers. Make sure that no embers are exposed or still smoldering.

Continue adding water, dirt or sand and stir with a shovel until all material is cool; if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!

For more information on emergency preparedness and safety practices contact SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723.

What To Do If You Have Fire Damage

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a house or building fire can be completely devastating, and the cleanup process is not easy. DIY fire damage restoration is never advised due to the complex and difficult cleaning process that is required after a fire. Smoke damage and soot damage occur after fires and the remedies are all included as part of the fire cleanup process. If you have suffered from a fire in home or fire in your business, make sure you call a professional restoration company to help you board up the area and deal with the aftermath, get rid of the smoke smell, and help with any other aspect of home or commercial fire damage. Here is what you should do in the event that you have smoke damage, soot damage, or fire damage.

1. Don't Enter Your Home
Fire damage doesn't just create a smoke smell or soot smell, it can deteriorate and destroy the foundation of your home. You need to make sure that any entry into your home is cleared by a professional fire company prior to entering the premises. There is also a risk of a fire restarting, even if it appears to be completely out.

2. Make a Few Calls
Informing family and other loved ones of the fire, and your safety status is one of the most important parts of fire damage restoration. Material items can be replaced, but your family's peace of mind is important. Next, call your insurance company. Many companies cover fire damage restoration if you have suffered from home fire or a fire in business.

3. Fire Report
Obtaining a copy of the fire report is also crucial in the early stages after you experience a fire in home or fire in business. Your local fire agency can help you obtain a copy of the report, and if they can't release it to you they will instruct you on where to obtain a copy. The fire report will include the home's condition, persons involved, and other important information required by both your insurance company and the restoration company who comes in to help clean up the damage and board up the house.

4. Securing the Property
Whether you experience home or commercial fire damage, many insurance companies mandate that you board up the area. A restoration company can assist you with this to make sure that you are safe throughout the process. If your utilities are unsafe, the fire department will make sure they are turned off before they leave the area. It is important to not turn them on after they have been shut off!

5. Replace Documents
Whether the documents have suffered smoke damage, soot damage, or been destroyed entirely, it is important to replace them. This should be done before the fire cleanup so you have time to start the process of replacing them. You should also be sure to replace any damaged credit cards after you cancel them. Don't forget the social security cards, birth certificates, or driver's licenses that haven't been damaged by the fire.

6. Begin Cleanup
This process is where you will want to make sure to hire a professional restoration company. It is never advisable to try and remedy the damage that occurs from a fire in home or fire in business because it is dangerous and a complicated process to remove the smoke smell, smoke damage, and fire damage. Fire damage restoration companies will help you board up the house or, in the event that there is commercial fire damage, board up the business as well. Fire cleanup usually includes getting rid of smoke damage, smoke smell, soot damage, and fire damage.

Whether you have suffered a fire in home or fire in business, it is important to always leave the damage control to the professionals. Fire cleanup with residential or commercial fire damage can be complicated and tricky, and getting it done right the first time is crucial. Give us a call at 425-775-5723. 

Guidelines on How to Deal with a Fire in the Home or Business

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

There are a few losses that are more devastating than seeing one’s home or business premises getting consumed in fire damage. When such a thing happens, one needs to have a clear action plan to help them restore the building. To achieve this, you need the help of competent commercial fire damage restoration experts such as the professionals at SERVPRO of Edmonds. Below are some tips and guidelines that can help you deal with fire restoration.

Common types of fire

The cause of the fire is what determines how fire restoration will be done. The cause also determines the fire restoration processes which will have to be put in used to bring the building back to the state it was in before the damage.

• Protein fire: This is the type of fire which happens when food from the oven or stove has overcooked and burned. The odor left behind by this type of fire is strong and can make the house almost unbearable to live in. The soot damage and smoke damage from this type of fire are also very extensive.

• Complex fire: This happens when a variety of natural and artificial items have burned inside the house. This mixture leaves behind thick black smoke damage all over the house. When doing fire restoration to such a house, the commercial fire damage company will have to do corrosion mitigation to protect certain surfaces from further damage.

• Natural fire: if the origin of the fire is shrubs, trees or other vegetation on the outside, a lot of smoke damage, soot damage and odor will be left in the house and deodorization will be necessary.

• Malfunctioning of the furnace: if the furnace or any other gas or electrical appliance malfunctions, an electrical fire will result. An electrical fire or utility room fire could cause destruction all over the house and a lot of smoke damage.

There are a few things that owners should understand about commercial fire damage before they start the restoration process. First, when smoke and ash are left behind they will continue to cause damage and corrosion to different surfaces in the home. When the fire has a lot of soot, the walls and ceiling can take a few minutes to get complete soot damage. Only professionals should handle this work. 

Another important thing to note is that smoke causes the glass to etch after a very short time. Then, if the firefighter or fire truck is going to use a fire sprinkler system or fire hose for fire suppression, the home will end up with two problems, water damage, and commercial fire damage. Both problems can be fixed by a competent fire sprinkler system damage restoration expert.

When the fire damage restoration experts get to your home, they may observe the following things;

• Identification of the cause of the electrical fire or utility room fire
• Evaluation of the areas which were left wet as a result of fire sprinkler system or fire hoses water
• Removing water left behind by the firefighter, fire sprinkler system, fire hose, and the fire truck
• Evaluating the areas affected by smoke damage and soot damage
• Removing the contents of the home
• Performing fire restoration

SERVPRO of Edmonds will respond in time and ensure that all the damage resulting from the fire is remedied. They will also ensure that the structural strength of the house is restored after the damage.
Visit http://www.SERVPROedmonds.com for more information on fire damage.

Western Washington Wildfire Risk

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Western Washington unfortunately faces elevated wildfire risk in 2019

The Pacific Northwest has suffered its fair share of fires over the past several years, many of which SERVPRO came to the rescue of. In Washington State last year (2018), there were 1,744 fires that affected nearly 439,000 acres, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. Of those, 1,457 were human-caused, accounting for nearly 280,000 of the acres that burned.

Many of us ask; what causes these fires? The answer is surprising: People! Keep in mind safety when smoking, lighting fireworks and campfires especially in dry areas. The majority of wildfires are caused by burn piles that get out of hand- pay attention to what laws your county has in place about burning. Our dying forests and diseased trees are the perfect breeding ground for fire and have intensified the wildfire season. Our rapidly dying forests are largely due to disease and pests, which take advantage of trees stressed by a lack of water.

Western Washington, including the Puget Sound, will have a higher risk of fires; much of the risk in Eastern Washington remains average. March 2019 produced 51 fires alone, many of them in Cowlitz and Lewis counties.

The DNR is asking the state Legislature for $55 million for wildfire response and forest health management which would nearly double the amount of full-time firefighters.

Here are some interesting facts about wildfires to keep in mind;

• 90% of all wildfires are started by humans
• “Crown fires” are spread by wind moving quickly across the tops of trees
• Weather conditions can directly contribute to the occurrence of wildfires through lightning strikes or indirectly by an extended dry spell or drought
• An average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn every year
• A large wildfire — or conflagration — is capable of modifying the local weather conditions

Halloween Safety Tips in Edmonds, WA

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

The Edmonds Community becomes alive in fall with the crunch of leaves and vibrant colors that come alive throughout the quaint downtown. Many Edmonds homeowners and businesses decorate their space to reflect the festivities of the season and anticipate the trick-or-treating crowds. Keep in mind some of these Halloween safety tips as you venture out for an evening of fun in Edmonds.

1. Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
2. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant
3. If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child or even adult may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
4. Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
5. Small children should never carve pumpkins to avoid unwanted cuts. Encourage children can draw a face with markers and have parents do the slicing.
6. Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin- they can be fire hazards. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest as does not tip easily.
7. Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. They should never be left unattended

Have a safe and happy Halloween and call us in case of an emergency at 425-775-5723.